### Diploma Modules (Year 2)

| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |------------|------------| | **Choose two modules from:** | **Choose two modules from:** | | **RIMB 016 Design and management of records systems** | **RIMB 019 Archives and permanent preservation** | | **Aim** | **Aims** | | To enable students to support the design, development and maintenance of records and record keeping systems based on the principles of information storage, retrieval and access | To develop an understanding of how to manage records selected for long term preservation, and of the relationship between current, semi-current and archival records. | | **Content** | **Content** | | Includes: characteristics of records and the implications for record keeping systems; systems analysis and design; application of principles of classification and indexing; design of corporate file structures; thesaurus implementation and use; corporate file structures; record creation formats; creating systems documentation; information security systems; operating existing systems and selecting and implementing new systems, legacy issues. | Includes: Conversion and migration strategies; conservation management; preservation issues, including permanent preservation of records media; acquisition policies and their Implementation; transfer to archives procedures, including physical transfer; archival description and descriptive standards; distributed custody options; access policies; user services in archives; national archival policies and networks; role of TNA. | | **RIMB 018 User services and user relations** | **RIMB 017 Work-based, student-designed project** | | **Aim** | **Aims** | | To provide students with the skills needed to understand and accommodate the requirements of their clients in the record keeping context. | To allow the student to design and carry out an independent project within and relevant to the workplace | | **Content** | **Content** | | Includes: Understanding user needs; approaches to quality in records management; developing and operating service level agreements; writing and implementing records management policies and procedures; developing user training programmes; marketing the records management service; strategies for ensuring user compliance. | Students will be expected to assess the feasibility of a project, to identify appropriate methodologies required to carry it out and to implement the project. Assessment will be on the basis of the project report (or other output as agreed) and on an assessment by the student of the success of the project. | | **ARIM 010 Business archives** | **RIMB 003 Principles and tools for information storage, retrieval and access** | | **Aim** | **Aims** | | To provide an in-depth view of practice in the business and corporate archives environment, and the nature of business archives and methods of exploitation. | To introduce students to the theory and practice of logical storage and retrieval of information in a records context. | | **Content** | **Content** | | Includes: business and corporate archives in a range of contexts and settings; development of the modern corporation and associated records; compliance and accountability and business records; main types of business records; managing and promoting business archives. | Includes: cataloguing and metadata models; thesaurus construction; classification approaches; indexing systems; indexing languages and controlled vocabularies; search strategies and information retrieval (including natural language, free-text, Boolean and probability-based models); physical storage issues. | | or **ARIM 006** | **ARIM 006 Archives as an information resource** | | **Where appropriate (and after consultation with their mentor or line manager) students may select either of two ARIM modules from the parallel programme D/CPS: Archives and Records Management. These modules are available only by distance learning; there is no contact teaching associated with them.** | **Aims** | | **Aims** | To introduce the student to the basic principles and practice of using archives for information and research, with guidance on locating and using external resources relating to archives. | | **Content** | **Content** | | This module includes: principles and ethics governing the use of archives; how researchers use archives; elements of a successful research strategy; identifying the information potential of records; description of appropriate archival and other research resources; developing a work-place guide; use of archives in education; locating and using external sources about archives or **ARIM 010**. | This module includes: principles and ethics governing the use of archives; how researchers use archives; elements of a successful research strategy; identifying the information potential of records; description of appropriate archival and other research resources; developing a work-place guide; use of archives in education; locating and using external sources about archives or **ARIM 010**. |

**NOTE:** all modules subject to availability. Semester choices may vary from that shown. Content is indicative.

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**I'm interested: what should I do now?**

Contact the Programme Administrator Sue Mulcahy for an application form or download one from the website. The application form will ask for details of your current and past experience and for names of two referees. Applications are considered after the closing date for applications. Priority is given to employees within central and local government and then within the public sector more widely. There is a maximum number of entrants (20) per year. **DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 2 JULY 2010**

**Telephone** 0151 794 2413\
**E-mail** sueb@liverpool.ac.uk\
**Write to** LUCAS, 9 Abercromby Square, Liverpool L69 7WZ\
**Web:** http://www.liv.ac.uk/lucas/courses.htm

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**PROSPECTUS**\
**2010/11**

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Participating in this programme will enable you to gain or develop knowledge and skills in records and information management through a university-accredited award in the subject. The programme has been developed in consultation with The National Archives. Prospectus

Records and information management education for the public sector

The University of Liverpool and records management education

The University of Liverpool has delivered records and information management education by distance learning since 1999. Geared specifically towards the public sector, the Diploma/Certificate in Professional Studies: Records and Information Management programme has been developed in consultation with The National Archives (TNA). TNA actively supports the D/CPS: RIM as a career development tool within central government and the wider public sector.

Is the programme suitable for me?

The programme is suitable for anyone working within central government or the wider public sector, in a records and information management role, who wishes to:

- gain an introduction to one or more records or information management topics or enhance and deepen existing skills or knowledge in the area
- acquire a university accredited qualification

Don’t worry if you have been out of formal education for some time; your current role, past experience, commitment and workplace support all play a major part in your ability to complete the programme successfully. A Study Skills Day gives guidance on learning and studying at a distance.

What does the programme aim to achieve?

The programme aims to:

- facilitate best practice in records and information management in government
- develop the professionalism and expertise of government records staff equip government records staff with the range of skills needed for effective record-keeping
- explain the broad national and international context for UK government records and information management
- raise awareness across government of current developments in records management and government information policy
- enable you to manage your own continuing professional development

How long does it take?

You can complete the Certificate in one year and the Diploma in two years. This is the recommended timescale. However, you can spend up to two years studying for the Certificate, and four years for the Diploma if you wish.

How long will I need to study for each module?

As a rough guide, a student starting from scratch in terms of experience and knowledge should spend around 150 ‘learning hours’ on each module over 10 weeks. This includes the introductory course and the preparation of an assignment. This time is likely to reduce where you have pre-existing experience and skills in the field.

How is each module assessed?

As the start of each module you will be given an assignment to be completed at the end of the 10-week period. The assignment tests your understanding of the module topic and demonstrates that you have achieved the stated learning objectives. Your mark for the assignment is the mark you receive for the whole module. Assignment questions are based on situations, procedures or issues that arise in the workplace. They usually take the form of reports or other documents which are routinely used in a working environment rather than the more academic essay-type assessment.

Programme Structure

Diploma/Certificate in Professional Studies: Records and Information Management

The D/CPS: RIM is an undergraduate-level qualification (equivalent to the third year of an undergraduate honours degree) with a modular structure. For a Certificate you will need to complete four compulsory 15-credit modules, and for the Diploma a further four modules making a credit total of 120. Modules for students starting the programme in 2010/11 are described on the next two pages.

It’s also possible to take an individual module if you’re uncertain about whether you want the whole award, gaining credits on successful completion.

How does it work?

Delivery of the modules is based on University semesters (September-January and February-July). At the beginning of each semester there will be a short (2-3 day) course, held usually in Liverpool, which introduces students to that semester’s modules. For the remainder of the semester you will be studying on a distance learning basis in your own home or workplace, taking 10 weeks to complete each module.

Programme components and fees

Study Skills Training Day, Liverpool, 20 September 2010 (to be confirmed)

Study Skills training is compulsory for students undertaking the D/CPS. It forms the first day of the introductory course (20 September) which takes place in Liverpool. The aims of the day are to:

- prepare students for studying at a distance
- introduce the theory and practice of learning
- provide an opportunity to develop study skills to support studying at a distance e.g. finding and using information, preparing for assessment, time management
- identify the roles and responsibilities of learners, tutors and support staff.

The day provides the opportunity to meet tutors and administrators, and, most importantly, the students who will form your cohort as you progress through the programme.

Semester 1 contact days, Liverpool, 21–22 September 2010 (to be confirmed)

An introduction to Modules RIMB001 and 002 and an opportunity to discuss some of the issues involved.

The National Archives Orientation Day, Kew, 9 November 2010

An Orientation Day at TNA introduces students to initiatives taking place at national level. They will also gain a better understanding of how their own department’s work ties in with the work of TNA.

Semester 2 contact days, Liverpool, February 2010 (date to be confirmed)

FEES

What does it cost?

Fees for the D/CPS:RIM are calculated on a modular basis. The 2010/11 fee for each 15-credit module is £497 \*\*

Certificate in Professional Studies = £1,988

Diploma in Professional Studies = £3,976

\*\* All module fees are liable to an annual increase in line with University tuition fee increases.

Certificate Modules (Year 1)

RIMB01 Introduction to records and information management

Aim

This module forms an introduction to the programme and provides an overview of the purpose and nature of records and information management, and the sectoral, national and international context of government records and information management.

Content

Includes: concepts and definitions of records and information management and related disciplines; an overview of the nature of records and information management programmes and their staff, and the particular challenges presented by the electronic environment; an examination of the justification for records and information management; an introduction to legal issues associated with records and information management; an introduction to working with users, and an overview of current professional issues.

RIMB02 Principles and tools for managing records

Aim

To equip students with generic tools for managing records in an organisational context.

Content

Includes: Business process analysis; functional analysis; conducting records audits; mapping information flows; conducting a user needs analysis; systems design methodologies; organisational structures and cultures and their implications for records management; risk analysis and risk management in a records management context and

Note: all Certificate modules are compulsory. Content description is indicative.

RIMB 14 Compliance and the regulatory environment

Aim

To demonstrate the importance of compliance within the organisational context and to understand the organisational, regulatory environment and the relevant implementation of records and information-related legislation

Content

Includes: FOI and Data protection: access v privacy issues; the role of the records manager in ensuring organisational compliance; legal issues within the life-cycle framework; legal admissibility and the electronic environment; standards, guidance and best practice.

RIMB 15 Principles and practice of appraisal

Aim

To enable students to understand appraisal theories and methodologies and how these may be applied within the RM programme.

Content

Includes: Approaches to appraisal (including TNA appraisal policy); legal and regulatory issues and risk assessment; connections with functional analysis; assigning value to record series; vital records identification; retention scheduling methodologies; documenting appraisal